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FHWA unveils program to promote innovations

FHWA’s Highways for LIFE program is open for business.

The Highways for LIFE (HfL) implementation plan was issued in the Federal Register on Thursday (May 25). Highways for LIFE is a pilot program designed to accelerate the adoption of innovations and new technologies, thereby improving safety and highway quality while reducing congestion caused by construction. The ultimate goal is to dramatically improve the driving experience of the American public.

The program is focused on several key areas: technology transfer, incentives for construction demonstration projects, technology partnerships with the highway construction industry, and communication and stakeholder involvement to educate and inform both the workforce and the public.

Highways for LIFE discretionary funds are available as incentives to the State departments of transportation to demonstrate innovative technologies and practices that can be used to build projects safer and faster and will result in longer-lasting highways, thereby achieving a higher level of user satisfaction.

Information from these demonstrations will to be shared with the whole transportation community to accelerate changes that will improve the safety and performance of our highways and reduce the impact of construction and maintenance on highway users.

A solicitation of grant applications for FY 2006 and FY 2007 funding of demonstration construction projects under the HfL Program has also been issued. Applications need to be posted on www.Grants by Aug. 30, for 2006 projects and Nov. 30 for 2007 projects. State departments of Transportation are encouraged to work with their division offices to prepare their applications.

The state DOT will need to register as an applicant on www.grants.gov to submit applications. The Highways for LIFE Team will provide training for division offices and State DOTs on how to use Grants.gov.

For more information on the program, visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/hflm . For details on the funding of demonstration projects, states should contact their FHWA division office or Mary Huie of the Highways for LIFE team at (202) 366-3039.